Inmate charged after woman's death

NEWPORT — A Newport Jail inmate has been charged in the death of a fellow inmate after several medical incidents at the facility Monday ended with the death of a 33-year-old woman.

The death was the second of two medical incidents at the jail, the first reported at about 12:53 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, prompting the response of Newport Police and medical crews. A female inmate was flown by medical helicopter to a Spokane area hospital; her condition is unknown, Newport Police officials said.

While officers were investigating the incident, corrections officers were advised at about 6:49 p.m. that another inmate had collapsed and that CPR was in progress. Despite efforts by corrections staff, deputies and medical personnel, the 33-year-old female was pronounced deceased, Newport Police officials said in a press release.

Through further investigation, officers identified a female suspect who is believed to have introduced a substance into the jail, according to the release. 

Natalie J. Lemery, 32, of Spokane has been charged with bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility and controlled substance homicide.

No additional information is being released by Newport Police at this time.